Review · CASTELNUOVO DEL GARDA
Lake Garda: 2 hours Horseback Ride in the Countryside
Trade traffic for hoofbeats and hill views. This two-hour ride takes you through the countryside around Lazise, Colà di Lazise, and Castelnuovo del Garda, with vineyards, olive groves, open fields, and distant views toward Lake Garda. I like the small groups of up to five people and the calm horses, which make this a friendly choice even if you have never ridden before.
I also like the peaceful route. You spend very little time near busy roads, so the ride feels more like a rural outing than a standard sightseeing trip. The main consideration is that the tour is not designed for young children or riders with reduced mobility, and two hours in the saddle can feel long if you are not used to horseback riding.
What Makes This Ride Worth Your Time
- Calm horses for all riding levels: The horses are described as well trained and steady, making the tour suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced riders.
- A rural side of Lake Garda: You ride through vineyards, olive groves, and open fields instead of spending the whole day beside the lake or in crowded resort streets.
- A compact five-person group: The small group size gives the guide room to help with horses, answer questions, and keep the pace comfortable.
- Scenery changes with the light: Several riders especially enjoyed evening departures, when the vineyards and hills can take on sunset colors.
- A local guide adds context: You learn about seasonal colors, farming traditions, and the countryside around Lazise and Castelnuovo del Garda.
- Simple, flexible booking: The tour costs $93 per person, allows cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and offers reserve-now, pay-later booking.
Meeting the Horses at A.S.D. CS Ranch Eventi
The ride begins at A.S.D. CS Ranch Eventi. Finding the ranch takes a little attention: look for the DELAINI car garage, then take the road on the right of the garage until you reach the ranch. Parking is free there, which is useful if you have a rental car.
You meet the guide and get acquainted with your horse before setting off. That introduction matters, especially for first-time riders. You have a chance to get comfortable around the animal and understand the basic rhythm of the outing before the countryside route begins.
The horses are described as calm, reliable, and well trained. One rider specifically praised a horse named Lady for being gentle and reassuring, while another noted that the horses responded well to riding aids and often seemed to know what to do on their own. Those details suggest a relaxed setup, though you should still expect to follow the guide’s instructions closely.
You will need long trousers and proper shoes. Do not arrive in sandals, slippers, or other open footwear. Clothing should match the season, since much of the two-hour ride takes place outdoors with little reason to expect a change of clothes or shelter along the way.
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The First 30 Minutes Around Castelnuovo del Garda

The route includes about 30 minutes around Castelnuovo del Garda, a town inland from the main lakefront resort areas. Here, the focus is on the gentle hills and open countryside rather than a formal town tour packed with monuments.
This is where you begin to see how quickly Lake Garda changes once you leave the busy waterfront. Vineyards, fields, and farm roads replace hotel fronts and traffic. The guide shares information about the local setting, seasonal changes, and rural traditions as you ride.
For a beginner, the first part of the route is useful because you can settle into the horse’s pace without feeling rushed. For an experienced rider, it may feel deliberately gentle. This is a scenic outing first, not an intensive riding lesson or a fast trek.
The route is planned away from traffic, which is one of the activity’s strongest points. You can pay attention to your balance, the horse, and the views instead of worrying about passing cars. That also makes the ride more appealing if you want a quiet break from Lake Garda’s busy tourist centers.
An Hour Through Lazise and Colà di Lazise

The longest part of the ride takes place around Lazise and nearby Colà di Lazise. The route passes through vineyards, olive groves, and open fields, giving you a close look at the agricultural side of the area.
Lazise is one of the better-known communities around Lake Garda, but this experience shows you a quieter side of it. You are not simply walking through the center or looking at the lake from a promenade. You are moving through the countryside that helps define the area beyond the resort strip.
The vineyards are likely to be the visual focus. Depending on the season and time of day, you might see different colors in the rows of vines and surrounding fields. Several evening riders enjoyed sunset conditions, when the countryside became especially scenic. If you have flexibility, an evening departure may give you the nicest light, though exact starting times depend on availability.
The olive groves add another layer to the ride. They give the route a distinctly northern Italian feel and help break up the open stretches of farmland. You also get a better sense of the local rural economy, since the guide explains how farming traditions shape the area.
The one-hour portion is long enough to feel like a real excursion rather than a quick ride around a paddock. At the same time, you should be honest about your comfort level. Two hours is not extreme for regular riders, but beginners may feel stiffness afterward, particularly if they have never spent a long period in a saddle.
Lake Garda Views Across the Hills
The final 30 minutes include scenic views toward Lake Garda and the surrounding hills. The lake may appear in the distance rather than directly beside the trail, so this is not a lakeshore riding experience.
That distance is part of the appeal. From the countryside, you see the lake as one element in a wider view of hills, fields, and rural roads. It gives you a sense of the region’s shape and shows why the inland villages are worth visiting even if your main reason for coming is the water.
The guide points out the scenery and helps explain the area as you go. The ride is not built around a long lecture, and that is probably a good fit for the setting. You can listen, ask questions, and still have time to enjoy the quiet.
Some descriptions of the experience refer to a light gallop on open stretches for riders with suitable experience. This should not be taken as a promise of fast riding for everyone. The horses and guide determine the pace, and beginners should expect a calm ride at a comfortable speed.
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What the Small Group Changes
With no more than five participants, this is a more personal outing than a large stable ride. The guide can keep an eye on each rider and offer help if someone feels nervous or needs to adjust to the horse.
That matters for beginners. One first-time pair found the horses calm enough to complete the full two hours comfortably, and another rider noted that the instructors were patient when a friend became stressed. You can reasonably expect a supportive atmosphere, but you should still tell the guide about your experience level before leaving the ranch.
The small group also helps with the pace. A guide leading five riders has a better chance of keeping everyone together without making experienced riders wait too long or beginners feel pushed. It also keeps the countryside quiet, which fits the purpose of the outing.
English and Italian are offered. If you are more comfortable in English, check that the selected departure has the language you need. The guide is an important part of the experience, since the ride includes explanations about local scenery and rural customs rather than being a silent horse rental.
How the $93 Price Holds Up

At $93 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Lake Garda. The price makes more sense if you value the complete two-hour experience: a prepared horse, a local guide, a planned countryside route, and a small group limited to five people.
You are paying for access to a setting that is difficult to enjoy on foot in the same amount of time. The horse carries you through vineyards and fields while the guide handles the route and the group. That can be good value for anyone looking for a slower, more personal activity between visits to lake towns.
The price does not include private transportation. You need to reach the ranch yourself, but free parking is available on site. That makes the tour easier if you have a car and less convenient if you are relying on public transport or staying far from the ranch.
I would compare the cost with your priorities. If your main goal is a direct lake cruise, a boat trip may offer better water views. If you want a peaceful outdoor activity and have always wanted to ride through Italian countryside, the price is easier to justify.
Who Should Book This Experience

This ride suits adults and older teens aged 15 and up who want a calm outdoor activity. It works especially well for:
- First-time riders who want steady horses and a gentle route.
- Experienced riders who enjoy scenic trails more than technical riding.
- Couples looking for a quiet countryside outing.
- Small groups who prefer personal attention.
- Visitors who have already seen the lakefront and want a different view of the area.
- Anyone who likes vineyards, olive trees, open fields, and sunset scenery.
It is less suitable if you want a fast, athletic ride. The emphasis is on scenery, calm movement, and learning about the area, not on advanced riding practice.
The tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. Children under 15 are not allowed, and pets cannot join. The activity information also lists altitude sickness, seasickness, and motion sickness among the conditions for which it is not suitable. Those restrictions may sound unusual for a countryside horseback ride, but they are part of the stated participation guidance.
Practical Tips for a Better Ride

Wear long trousers that allow you to move comfortably. Shoes should be secure and suitable for riding, with no sandals or slippers. Dress for the season, since the route is outdoors and conditions can change during the two-hour period.
Arrive with enough time to find the ranch. The DELAINI garage is the key landmark, and the ranch is reached by taking the road to its right. Since free parking is available, driving is straightforward once you locate the correct turn.
If you are new to horses, say so at the start. The horses are suitable for beginners, but the guide still needs to know your comfort level. Listen carefully during the introduction, especially when learning how to mount, stop, and control the horse.
Consider an evening time if one is offered. Sunset rides through the vineyards received particularly warm praise, and the lower light may make the hills and fields more attractive. Exact times vary, so check the available departures before you build the rest of your day around the ride.
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available, which helps if your Lake Garda plans are still shifting.
Should You Book the Lake Garda Horseback Ride?
I would book this if you want quiet countryside, gentle horses, and a small group rather than a high-speed riding adventure. The strongest reasons are the peaceful traffic-free route, the steady horses, and the chance to see vineyards and olive groves around Lazise from a very different angle.
I would skip it if you dislike sitting in a saddle for two hours, need step-free access, or want your main views to be directly on the lakefront. For everyone else, $93 is a fair price for a well-supported rural outing, especially if you choose an evening departure and have a car to reach the ranch.
FAQ
Where does the horseback ride begin?
The activity begins at A.S.D. CS Ranch Eventi. To find the ranch, locate the DELAINI car garage, take the road on the right, and continue to the ranch. Free parking is available there.
How long is the horseback ride?
The ride lasts two hours. The route includes areas around Castelnuovo del Garda, Lazise, and Colà di Lazise, with views toward Lake Garda.
How much does the experience cost?
The listed price is $93 per person.
Do I need previous riding experience?
No. The ride is suitable for complete beginners as well as more experienced riders. The horses are calm and well trained, and the guide provides support.
What should I wear?
Wear long trousers and shoes suitable for riding. Sandals and slippers are not allowed. Clothing should be appropriate for the season.
What languages are available?
The live guide operates in English and Italian.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. The experience is suitable from age 15. Children under 15 cannot participate.
Can I cancel or pay later?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is available, subject to the booking terms.
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